When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that count — it’s what you put in your body, too. The summer sun and pool chlorine can do a number on your hair. There are a few foods that will keep it looking soft and smooth now that the season is over.

These foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet:

Nuts – Brazil nuts are one of nature’s best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp. Walnuts contain an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

Oysters – Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair– and who doesn’t love that? The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc — a powerful antioxidant.

Low-Fat Dairy Products – Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.

Seeds – Oils derived from seeds are great method to make your hair long and healthy. You can obtain these oils from your diet. Morning snacks can be prepared by inserting flaxseed oil in oatmeal. You can also take sesame and pumpkin seeds as a mid day snacks.

Carrots – Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision. Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you’d be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.

It’s hard to believe, but fall is right around the corner! Time for the young adult, that has been eating all your food and lounging on your couch, to fly the nest and head off (or head back) to college. It’s a great time to polish your looks, get your hair back into superb condition, and start the school year with a healthy, manageable hair.

Picture it – they overslept, woke up in a panic and have less than 20 minutes to make it to class. This would normally lead to spiraling and extreme dramatics but this student is equipped with products to whip her into shape ASAP!

We are approaching the final scenes of summer 2012. As we move into autumn the warm colors of nature will begin to emerge along with the darker, warmer colors for our hair.

For fall, the must-have hair hues are: red, red and red! You will notice bright crimsons to dark chocolate reds to browns with auburn hues. Red is rare. Red is riveting. And most of all red is THEcolor of 2012.

Character is a gift that we give ourselves, constantly being shaped from the time that we are born. The sum total of the decisions that we have made, continue to make and will make is our character.

The wonderful thing about character and integrity, which are intimately related, is that they’re one of the few things in life that no one will ever be able to forcefully take away from you. Your choices are your own. Even if someone can take your life, they can’t force you to make a choice that you believe is wrong.

Our character is reflected in the very nature of the choices – whether for good or bad. It takes a lifetime to build it. Make the choice to give yourself the strong gift of character by carefully considering every choice that you make to ensure that it aligns with the character you are choosing to build.